Football fans love nothing more than a local product showing serious commitment to their side, and Birmingham-native Gabby Agbonlahor’s new-four year deal at Aston Villa certainly shows his dedication.

The 27-year-old first joined the club as a schoolboy in 1994, before working his way up through the ranks to earn his Premier League debut in 2006, since going on to score 79 goals in 320 appearances, while also earning three senior England caps in the meantime.

'It is good news for me to commit my future to the club and play the rest of my best years for Aston Villa,' he said.

'It is a four-year deal. That is what the contract provides – it gives me the chance to play for such a big club for the next four years.

'I’ve always said I only wanted to play for one side and that dream has come true.

'It is something that I have always dreamed, to think of staying at a club the size and stature of Aston Villa for the whole of your career.

'I am just delighted. It is great news for me and my family and I think it good news for the club as well and I look forward to repaying their faith in them.'

Agbonlahor has struggled somewhat to find his scoring boots in recent seasons, leading to some criticism from the claret and blue faithful during the club's battles near the foot of the table under managers Gerard Houllier, Alex McLeish and Paul Lambert.

Nevertheless, as one of the few players who has stayed committed to the cause when a bigger move could have been on the cards, most appreciate the contribution he has made, and the reaction upon the announcement of the new deal shows there are still a sizeable number who hold him in high regard.

Buzzing with Gabby's new deal. If you don't like him, you just don't get it. #avfc#utv

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.